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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving oxaliplatin (Eloxatin)?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to oxaliplatin or similar medications such as carboplatin (Paraplatin) or cisplatin (Platinol).

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely receive oxaliplatin:

• liver disease;
• asthma or other breathing disorder; or
• a nerve problem.

FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Do not receive oxaliplatin without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether oxaliplatin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is oxaliplatin given (Eloxatin)?

Oxaliplatin is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take up at least 2 hours to complete.

Oxaliplatin is usually given as part of a 2-day treatment every 2 weeks. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Receiving oxaliplatin can make you more sensitive to cold. This includes exposure to cold temperature and coming into contact with cold objects. To prevent discomfort, follow these steps:

• do not inhale deeply when you are exposed to cold air;
• cover your skin, head, and face when you are outside in cold temperatures;
• wear gloves when handling cold objects or refrigerated foods;
• do not run an air conditioner at very cool temperature in your home or car (even during hot weather);
• do not drink cold drinks or use ice cubes in drinks;
• do not put ice packs on your body.

Chemotherapy often causes nausea or mouth sores. Do not eat ice chips to ease these discomforts because you will be more sensitive to cold. Talk to your doctor about other ways to treat nausea or mouth sores. You may be given other medications to prevent nausea or vomiting while you are receiving oxaliplatin.

Oxaliplatin can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney and liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

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